Principal Research Officers (Social Researcher)

As a Principal Research Officer, you’ll work at the heart of your business area’s analytical and policy teams, and influence policies that have a real impact on the future of the UK. Whichever role you take on, you’ll engage with senior stakeholders across government and external organisations, and enjoy the support of our growing analytical community.

These roles are for proven analysts with a deep understanding of research methods and techniques. As a minimum, you’ll need a 2:1 in a research or statistic-focused social science degree, or a 2:2 with a relevant postgraduate qualification.

You’ll intuitively understand the demands of a brief, and design and commission research projects that meet it. Proactive and happy to work independently, you’ll have the confidence to not just respond to policy thinking – but shape it.

It’s essential you’re able to meet the following key competencies of the Civil Service: managing a quality service; collaborating and partnering; and seeing the big picture. In addition, we’ll look for evidence you can meet key Government Social Research competencies, which are knowledge and application of research methodologies and techniques; identification of research needs (along with the design and specification of research); and the communication of research findings.

You’ll have ample opportunity to develop your skills. Everyone here can take five designated learning and development days a year, and access bitesize courses at the DCMS Academy and online. There are 26.5 days’ leave, plus public holiday – and an excellent pension available from day one.